It’s never easy for fans to watch some of their favorite players leave, especially players that the Cincinnati Bengals drafted. At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that the NFL is a business; players will leave if they feel like their situation could be better elsewhere. Whether it’s money, opportunity, or personal, some players owe it to themselves to make the tough decisions selfishly.
These players might not play for the Bengals anymore, but expect big seasons out of them in 2022.
3. Marvin Jones Jr.
It’s been six seasons since Marvin Jones played in the orange and black stripes, yet he still has support from much of Who Dey Nation. After four seasons in Detroit, including a career year in 2017, Jones Jr. signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2021 offseason.
Jones Jr. provided a veteran presence all season for the Jaguars, a team that featured a rookie quarterback (Trevor Lawrence), a second-year starting running back (James Robinson), and a second-year wide receiver two (Laviska Shenault Jr.).
After season-ending injuries to first-round pick Travis Etienne and former pro bowl wide receiver D.J. Chark, the Jaguars desperately needed Jones Jr. to stay healthy.
The veteran receiver did exactly so. He logged his second consecutive full season, and as the season progressed, Jones and Lawrence continued to gain chemistry.
Trevor stays cool under pressure and delivers a perfect throw to Marvin Jones Jr.!#INDvsJAX | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/KZneimCk5O
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 9, 2022
After a spending spree in free agency, Jacksonville has brought in more weapons to surround Lawrence. Zay Jones and Christian Kirk were signed to multi-year deals, whereas Evan Engram signed a one-year contract. Regardless, this offense will have more weapons in the 2022 season.
Expect Jones Jr. to continue leading this young team; he seems more like a veteran they want in their locker room than a veteran they are looking to trade. Even with all the offseason spending, Jones Jr. will enter the 2022 season as the #1 option for Lawrence.